Report: Dale 0-0 Bury

The first derby match of the season ended goalless between Rochdale and Bury at the Crown Oil Arena.

After a first half with few chances, the second period came to life when Bury goalkeeper Joe Murphy saw red for handling outside his area.

Dale dominated the latter stages of the game but couldn’t find a way through the Bury defence to take all three points.

Keith Hill made four changes from Tuesday night. Jimmy McNulty, Jordan Williams, Steven Davies and Jamie Allen all returned to the starting line-up.

Dale began brightly and caused the Bury defence problems inside the first minute. Williams delivered a low ball across to the near post where Henderson was coming in, but the Bury defender cleared behind.

Henderson then sent a half volley well wide after a good knock down from Davies, whilst Nicky Ajose sent a left foot shot well wide for the visitors.

Kgosi Ntlhe was replaced by Reece Brown 20 minutes in after picking up an injury earlier in the game.

The first half was very stop-start, with the decisions not allowing the game to flow. The only other effort in the half came from the visitors, when Rohan Ince fired straight at Brendan Moore.

Bradden Inman replaced Steven Davies at the break, and Dale could have broken the deadlock inside the first minute of the second period as well.

Matty Done picked up on a bad pass back and drove into the area, where his first effort was blocked by a sliding Bury defender, before his second was saved by the legs of goalkeeper Murphy.

It would be Murphy’s last save before he was sent off for handling outside his area. He stepped out to collect a ball forward, but did so outside the area as Done was charging down the pass. The referee had no hesitation in showing him the red card.

Dale’s Williams caused problems down the left side in the second half, creating a chance for Henderson after his ball across wasn’t cleared. The Dale skipper’s effort was blocked by a defender’s legs, and the pair were also involved minutes later to create another opening.

Williams exchanged a one-two with Henderson, before sending a right foot effort goalwards which was saved by substitute goalkeeper Leo Fasan.

It was one-way traffic for the remainder of the game, as Dale dominated possession and had The Shakers camped in their own third.

However, Keith Hill’s side couldn’t create an opening that would see them take all three points, and the first derby match of the season ended goalless.